A Very Kyoto Celebration: Christmas and New Year at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

There’s a thrill in the air this December as Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto transforms into a winter wonderland, welcoming guests for an unforgettable celebration. Step into the season’s spirit with artfully curated experiences that combine cherished holiday traditions with the essence of Kyoto.

Stunning views of the Hotel’s 800-year-old pond garden frame the festivities, bringing a uniquely Japanese touch to every moment. Families and friends can embrace the holiday magic with seasonal dining and heart-warming gift.

“We are very excited for guests to discover our festive offerings, crafted with great passion and care by our talented team,” says General Manager Fanny Guibouret. “We look forward to sharing this season of joy and wonder with our local community as well as visitors from around the world.”

EMBA KYOTO GRILL

Decked out in dazzling style, EMBA KYOTO GRILL takes centre stage at this year’s celebration, promising full tables and full hearts.

Tree Lighting Ceremony: Signalling the start of the festivities, the Christmas Tree twinkles to life, accompanied by classic carols and followed by a special buffet dinner at EMBA KYOTO GRILL. Guests of all ages are welcome at this timeless ritual of light and togetherness. 

• December 1, 2025

Christmas Dinner Buffet: Served in a vibrant setting, this Yuletide feast offers a range of specialities, such as Chef’s signature Salt-Crusted Grilled Salmon and freshly carved favourites like Wagyu Roast Beef and Roast Truffle Chicken. Lavish desserts include Strawberry Bûche de Noël, Christmas Stollen and more.

• December 24 and 25, 2025
• 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm (last seating at 9:00 pm) | JPY 29,000

Christmas and New Year Special Course Menu: The season’s finest ingredients shine at this joyful spread, from the fresh, delicate delight of a seafood starter to the rich intensity of charcoal-grilled Wagyu. End on a sweet note with the raspberry, chocolate and pistachio tart.

• December 20 – 25, 2025 (Christmas Lunch Course) December 20 – 23, 2025 (Christmas Dinner Course)
• Lunch: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm (last order at 2:00 pm) | JPY 9,000 (4 course), JPY 12,000 (5 course)
• Dinner: 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm (last order at 9:30 pm) | JPY 30,000 (5 course)
• December 29 – January 8, 2026 (New Year)
• Lunch: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm (last order at 2:00 pm) | JPY 12,000 (4 course), JPY 15,000 (5 course)
• Dinner: 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm (last order at 9:30 pm) | JPY 25,000 (5 course)

New Year’s Eve Dinner: Ring in the New Year with a luxurious dining experience at EMBA. The main highlight is Souvenirs de Boeuf — Wagyu beef cheek and tenderloin slow-cooked for six hours in red wine, then wrapped in a flaky, buttery pastry, paired with a rich truffle sauce.

• December 31, 2025
• 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm (last order at 9:30 pm) | JPY 35,000 (5 course)

Festive Afternoon Tea: Starring ripe strawberries and fragrant roses, this Christmas-themed afternoon tea unveils treats like the classic Fraisier, the Strawberry Rose Mousse, and Stollen-Inspired Scones. The savouries merge French culinary artistry with local seasonal flavours.

• December 1 – 25, 2025
• Seatings at 12:00 pm, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:00 pm | JPY 8,400

Raclette Feast at EMBA: The charm and hear-warming Christmas feelings comes to Kyoto. This December, the EMBA KYORO GRILL turns into a lively festive atmosphere, complete with twinkling lights, mulled wine, and baked potatoes with melted raclette cheese.

• December 1 – 25, 2025
• Lunch 11:30 am – 2:30 pm / Dinner 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm | JPY 7,000 per person (includes raclette cheese potatoes, side dish, and mulled wine)

The Lounge and Bar

Festive Cocktails: Raise a toast to the holidays with inventive Christmas cocktails. Vodka-based Tiramisu offers a liquid take on dessert, while Strawberry Fog enchants with notes of gin and strawberry milk punch. For a non-alcoholic option, try the Santa Berry mocktail, sparkling with festive cheer.

• December 1 – 25, 2025
• 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm (last order 10:00 pm) | Mocktail JPY 3,000 / Cocktails JPY 3,500 each

Sushi Ginza Onodera

Festive Omakase Course: Available only over Christmas and New Year’s, this exclusive culinary journey features delicacies like Japanese spiny lobster, Wagyu beef, fresh sea urchin, and premium bluefin tuna. Meticulously sourced from markets across Japan, each ingredient is elevated by the skill and precision of expert chefs.

• December 24 – 25, 2025 and January 1 – 3, 2026
• Seatings at 5:30 pm, 5:00 pm, 8:30 pm | JPY 60,000

In-Room Dining

New Year Toshikoshi Soba and Osechi: Guests staying overnight at the Hotel can celebrate the new year in traditional Kyoto style. Bid farewell to 2025 with steaming bowls of Toshikoshi Soba and welcome the new year with a vibrant Osechi feast of local favourites.

• Available exclusively for in-house guests
• Toshikoshi Soba: December 31, 2025 | JPY 7,000 (Reservations required by December 26)
• Osechi: January 1, 2026 | JPY 25,000 (Reservations required by December 8)

The Spa

Festive Silk Ritual: An indulgent wellness journey to awaken the holiday glow. A gold leaf and honey body wrap sets the scene for a soothing body treatment, infused with neroli and black pepper to ease muscle tension. A luxurious facial treatment leaves skin silky smooth, radiant and ready for the festivities.

• 120 mins | JPY 60,000

All prices mentioned above are inclusive of taxes and service charge.
For dining reservations, please call the Hotel at +81 75 541 8288.